§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Health (1) whether his attention has been called to the report made by the medical officer of health for the county of Carmarthen, drawing attention to the urgent need for a maternity home in the county; and, in view of the fact that the rate of maternal mortality is so high in the county, whether he will make representations to the county council to expedite the provision of a maternity home;
(2) whether his attention has been called to the report of the medical officer of health for the county of Carmarthen on the deplorable housing conditions in parts of the county and, in particular, to a case in which a midwife had reported that she had been compelled to use a step-ladder to reach a patient in one house; and whether, having regard to the high incidence of maternal mortality and of tuberculosis in the county, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the housing conditions in the county?
§ Sir K. WoodMy attention has not been drawn to the report referred to, but I am informed that the provision of a maternity home is being actively considered by the Carmarthen County Council in conjunction with the Llanelly Town Council. I am aware of the housing conditions in the county, and I am arranging for my officers to confer in the matter with the local authorities concerned.